The Week in Reviews, Op. 485: Midori, Giora Schmidt, Yoonshin Song

January 28, 2025, 2:42 PM · In an effort to promote the coverage of live violin performance, Violinist.com each week presents links to reviews of notable concerts and recitals around the world. Click on the highlighted links to read the entire reviews.

Violinist Midori. Photo by Nigel Parry.

Midori performed Brahms' Violin Concerto with the Seattle Symphony and Anja Bihlmaier.

The Strad: "Her account of the Brahms Concerto encompassed both grandeur and intimacy. Midori seemed to shun the more comfortable ways of shaping a phrase, driven by a provocatively introspective approach."

Giora Schmidt performed Lalo's 'Symphonie Espagnole' with the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, stepping in for Anne Akiko Meyers.

The Cap Times: "Schmidt’s performance possessed a striking lyrical quality which breathed life into the piece, in part due to the intricate articulation he maintained throughout even the most head-spinning flurries of notes."

Yoonshin Song performed Beethoven's Violin Concerto with the Houston Symphony and Tabita Berglund.

EarRelevant: "Yoonshin Song, the orchestra’s concertmaster, was virtually perfect in execution. Self-possessed and with eyes closed, she played with pristine intonation and intimate expression."

Randall Goosby performed Bruch's Violin Concerto in G minor with Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal and Dalia Stasevska.

Bach Track: "The programme's featured soloist was also magnificent. Randall Goosby played Bruch's Violin Concerto in G minor with a lyricism that equals that of any violinist currently on the international circuit."

Edward Pulgar performed Mozart’s Violin Concerto No. 3 in G Major, K. 216 with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra.

Violinist.com: "Pulgar’s playing was nuanced and refined. And his conducting was perfection. His approach to the music was a masterclass in collaboration, always giving the musical right-of-way when it was due. His cadenzas were more contemplative than theatrical, lending each a well-earned break for musical reflection and thematic exploration."
Arts Knoxville: " Pulgar’s performance showed confidence in his colleagues, while contributing a lyrically descriptive solo line; the orchestra appeared fully capable of adjustments in intent and accuracy of entrances into and out of the cadenzas. The change of tempos was mostly accomplished with a nicely controlled energy."

Yu-Chien Benny Tseng performed Mendelssohn's Concerto in E minor with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and Julian Kuerti.

Bach Track: " He is reminiscent of those old-fashioned violin virtuosos, who mince no notes in the name of period performance practice and are unafraid of flexing vibrato muscles. And how the beloved opening melody sang, the way people used to like it. The cadenza showed he meant business, its flashiness balanced by revealing a tender side in the slow movement."

Alena Baeva performed Berg's Violin Concerto with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and Mark Wigglesworth.

Bach Track: "She may not yet be a household name in the UK, but in this captivating account Baeva showcased technical prowess and expressive phrasing, whilst also projecting a sweetness of tone that soared over the formidably complex orchestral writing."

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The Week in Reviews, Op. 485: Midori, Giora Schmidt, Yoonshin Song

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